I don't think you posted in the wrong forum, it's the longhaircare forum. :-|
Anyways. I'm transitioning from straight hair, but I was for multiple years. I think the most important things are not 'touching up' a straightened style, not using too much product (yes, you can use too much heat protectant) and conditioning a lot. I would do my hair once a month, keep it straight for two weeks, then wear it natural for two weeks. I'd do a lot of conditioning in between to keep it in good shape. I also trimmed a lot, which sacrificed on length, but my ends were always blunt and thick.
I'd use no more than two products - one heat protectant to blow dry and one serum after flat ironing for shine and to prevent reversion. Oil-based products literally fry the hair, and water-based products boil them.
I preferred it to having a relaxer because I had versatility. I could wear it curly or straight. I've had heat damage before so I definitely know the different - I had 3 years of no heat damage with a perfected regimen. I decided to stop straightening because I want to become familiar with my curls. That's a personal choice. Anyone can do whatever they want with their hair. We've seen plenty of healthy-relaxed heads and unhealthy natural heads, so it's all practice that makes the difference.
HTH ^_^